Vessel for breast milk collection, preservation, transportation, and delivery

ABSTRACT

A vessel includes an inner container, an outer container, a connector, a cap, and a lid. The outer container includes a first coupler and an outer chamber. The inner container includes a second coupler and an inner chamber to hold a liquid. The inner container is receivable at least partially within the outer chamber. The connector includes a third coupler that is complementary to the first coupler, and a fourth coupler that is complementary to the second coupler. When both the first coupler is engaged with the third coupler and the second coupler is engaged with the fourth coupler, the outer chamber is entirely enclosed within a liquid-proof barrier.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to food and beverage storagecontainers, and specifically to a container for safe, temperaturemodifying and extended storage of breast milk to enable uncontaminatedtransport and use of unspoiled breast milk.

Description of the Related Art

Known bottles, food storage containers, carafes and thermoses aredesigned to maintain contents at a cold or hot temperature. There arelimited examples of food safe containers that provide for warm contentsto be safely cooled without dilution and then maintained at a safe,chilled temperature. Known products incorporate a design that riskscontamination of breast milk by inserting a cooling rod into the milk orsurrounding the milk container with unsafe chemicals. Other knowncontainers are directed at the consumption of alcohol, coffee or softdrinks.

Medical professionals regularly instruct caregivers that expressed milkshould be stored in a clean, capped glass or hard plastic, BPA-freecontainer or special plastic bags designed for milk collection andstorage. However, online medical resources also warn that breast milkstorage bags may tear, leak, open and become contaminated more easilythan hard-sided containers. Known hard containers cannot be used forbreast milk storage without refrigeration and bags are problematic forthe reasons listed herein.

As a result of the deficiencies of known products, women do not have asafe container into which they can directly pump and store their breastmilk for more than four hours. Women are therefore forced to undertakepumping into multiple small containers that need to be refrigerated orstored in portable coolers. Alternatively, women must dispose of theirmilk if they are without refrigeration while traveling, working orotherwise unable to directly breastfeed a child.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a new apparatus and associatedmethod to collect, cool, and preserve nutrient rich breast milk andreduce or prevent said breast milk from being wasted, and to providewomen and caregivers the ability to overcome numerous obstacles topumping, transporting, storing and feeding breast milk.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a vessel includes an outercontainer, an inner container, and a connector. The outer container hasa first coupler and an outer chamber. The inner container has a secondcoupler and an inner chamber to hold a liquid, and the inner containeris receivable at least partially within the outer chamber such that agap is formed between the inner container and the outer container. Theconnector has a third coupler that is complementary to the firstcoupler, and a fourth coupler that is complementary to the secondcoupler. When both the first coupler is engaged with the third couplerand the second coupler is engaged with the fourth coupler, the outerchamber is entirely enclosed within a liquid-proof barrier.

According to another aspect of the invention a connector includes afirst coupler, a second coupler, and a third coupler. The first coupleris complementary to a complementary coupler, and the second coupler iscomplementary to the same complementary coupler. The third coupler isdifferent than the first coupler and the second coupler such that thethird coupler is not complementary to the complementary coupler. Thefirst coupler is discontinuous with the second coupler such that thecomplementary coupler cannot transition from engagement with the firstcoupler to engagement with the second coupler without first disengagingfrom the connector.

According to another aspect of the invention a method of pumping andstoring breast milk includes contacting a breast shield with a breast,and while contacting the breast with the breast shield, applying suctionto the breast, thereby withdrawing milk from the breast. The methodfurther includes transferring the withdrawn milk from the breast to aninner chamber of an inner container, the inner container coupled to thebreast shield by a first connector. The method further includesdecoupling the inner container from the breast shield by disengaging thefirst connector from the inner container, depositing a cooling mediuminto an outer chamber of an outer container, coupling the innercontainer to a second connector such that the inner chamber is enclosed,inserting the inner container into the outer chamber, and after couplingthe inner container to the second connector, coupling the outercontainer to the second connector such that a gap is formed between theinner container and the outer container, at least a portion of the gapoccupied by the cooling medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elementsor acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of variouselements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some ofthese elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improvedrawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements asdrawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regardingthe actual shape of the particular elements, and may have been solelyselected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side, elevation view of the container illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the container illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a connector of the container illustratedin FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top, plan view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, of the connector illustrated in FIG.4, along line A-A.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an inner chamber of the containerillustrated in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the inner chamber illustrated inFIG. 7, along line B-B.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a cap of the container illustrated inFIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the cap illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cap illustrated in FIG. 10,along line C-C.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an outer chamber of the containerillustrated in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is cross-sectional view of the outer chamber illustrated in FIG.13, along line D-D.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a lid of the container illustrated inFIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the lid illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the lid illustrated in FIG. 15,along line E-E.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the container illustrated in FIG.1, along line F-F, in a fully assembled configuration.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a portion of the containerillustrated in FIG. 1 in a pumping configuration.

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of another portion of the containerillustrated in FIG. 1 in a pumping configuration.

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of a portion of the containerillustrated in FIG. 1 in a feeding configuration.

FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of another portion of the containerillustrated in FIG. 1 in a feeding configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosedembodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In otherinstances, well-known structures associated with liquid containers havenot been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuringdescriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, suchas, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open,inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or “an aspect of the disclosure” means that a particularfeature, structure or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearancesof the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or”is generally employed in its broadest sense, that is as meaning “and/or”unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Reference herein to two elements “facing” or “facing toward” each otherindicates that a straight line can be drawn from one of the elements tothe other of the elements without contacting an intervening solidstructure. Reference herein to two elements being “coupled” indicatesthat relative movement of one of the elements relative to the other ofthe elements is restricted, for example blocked, in at least one degreeof freedom. Reference herein to two elements being “directly coupled”indicates that the two elements physically touch with no interveningstructure between.

Reference herein to a direction includes both vectors that make up saiddirection. For example a longitudinal direction includes both a “distal”vector and a “proximal” vector, which is opposite the “distal” vector.Reference to an element extending along a direction means the elementextends along one or both of the vectors that make up the direction.

The term “aligned” as used herein in reference to two elements along adirection means a straight line that passes through one of the elementsand that is parallel to the direction will also pass through the otherof the two elements. The term “between” as used herein in reference to afirst element being between a second element and a third element withrespect to a direction means that the first element is closer to thesecond element as measured along the direction than the third element isto the second element as measured along the direction. The term“between” includes, but does not require that the first, second, andthird elements be aligned along the direction.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range including the stated ends of the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein.

Aspects of the disclosure will now be described in detail with referenceto the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elementsthroughout, unless specified otherwise. Certain terminology is used inthe following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Theterm “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one. The terms “aportion” and “at least a portion” of a structure include the entirety ofthe structure.

The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are forconvenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of theembodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 22, a vessel 10 for liquid collection,preservation and transportation is disclosed herein. According to oneaspect of the disclosure, the vessel 10 is used to assist in the processof collecting, preserving, and transporting pumped breast milk, and thefeeding of said pumped breast milk to a child. The advantages of thevessel 10 are numerous including, but not limited to: health andwellness; lifestyle; financial; and environmental. Whereas userspreviously had to undertake multiple pumpings into multiple containers(small bottles, bags, sealable containers), users of the vessel 10 canpump into one larger container. This allows for a healthy mix of“foremilk,” which is lower fat/caloric milk, with higher fat “hindmilk.”This ability to provide a more natural feeding mix significantlybenefits the health of the child.

Multiple pumpings and transferring pumped breast milk between multiplecontainers also increases the risk of contamination and spills/loss ofvolume. Many women have trouble producing enough milk when not directlybreastfeeding so any loss of volume is a problem and discouraging. Themost common containers into which users can pump are plastic. Manyconsumers are concerned that plastics contaminate contents. Softplastics are generally not as durable and safe as other materials suchas glass, stainless steel, and hard plastics.

Known breast milk storage containers include coolers that areinconvenient, more difficult to transport, indiscreet, and requireseveral components (cooler, bags, bottles, chilled package, etc.). Thevessel 10 allows for easy, safe transport. The vessel 10 may include anattractive aesthetic appearance, and may look similar to other waterbottles or hot beverage containers. Users of the vessel 10 may be ableto keep the vessel 10 on their person, in their offices or otherwise inplain sight without others knowing that the user is lactating, pumpingand transporting breast milk. The vessel 10 may be sized and shaped soas to be easily transported by carrying it or putting it in bags,briefcases or luggage.

Caregivers may encounter difficulty and inconvenience when trying tosafely transport breast milk while away from refrigeration. Thisdifficulty impedes the non-breastfeeding caregiver's ability to go outof the home with breastfeeding children. The vessel 10 allows for breastmilk to be easily carried separately or packed in a diaper bag/backpack,safely stored for hours and then used to feed a child as needed. Theseparate component to warm and deliver a portion of the milk for feedingallows for the other unused portion of the breast milk to be preservedwithout contamination.

Known containers require the use of disposable bags and semi-permanentbottles. Almost all of the bags cannot safely be reused and must bedisposed of after every use. As a result, breast pumping users mustcontinuously purchase bags which are then thrown away after each use.The vessel 10 allows for transport of breast milk in one large, reusablecontainer that can be used for regular (non-breast milk) beveragecooling or warming transport and consumption long after the breastpumping user has finished breastfeeding children. Unlike the plasticbags and bottles, the vessel 10, according to one embodiment, may be aversatile, attractive, durable, re-usable container that is safe forlong-term food/beverage transportation and consumption use.

The vessel 10 provides a solution that significantly overcomes theshortcomings of prior, existing devices and methods for breast milkstorage, transport and feeding. The vessel 10 disclosed herein is acontainer configured to allow a user to pump breast milk directly into acontainer capable of cooling warm breast milk down to a safe storagetemperature and maintaining it at a safe temperature for several hourswithout dilution. According to one embodiment, the vessel 10 may be aninsulated, double chambered bottle with at least an eight ouncecapacity. The vessel 10 may include a removable inner container 12 witha threaded neck that is compatible with breast pump attachments to allowfor milk to be expressed directly into the inner container.

When the vessel 10 is not being used for collecting expressed milk, theinner container 12 threaded neck may be sealed with a cap 18 that can becoupled to the inner container 12 to enclose an inner chamber 46 of theinner container 12, or removed from the inner container 12 to open theinner chamber 46 to a surrounding environment. The vessel 10 may includea lid 20, which serves to prevent contamination of the breast milkwithin the inner chamber and provides an “on-the-go” feeding bottle.

One advantage of the vessel 10 is that the size of the inner chamber 12allows users to pump breast milk in excess of the two to eight ouncelimit currently found in known breast milk containers. The breast milkmay be pumped directly into one container, which is a safe storagecontainer that lowers and maintains the milk at a safe temperaturewithout dilution. The lid 20 covering the cap 18 protects the pour topand threaded neck from contaminants while also serving as a versatile,warmable feeding bottle.

The vessel 10 may include an outer container 14 which includes a second,or outer, chamber 96 that can be filled with a coolant such as frozenwater. Thus, the design of the vessel 10 may provide a means to coolexpressed breast milk and maintain it at a safely chilled temperatureuntil it can be transported to feed a child or to be maintained forlonger periods in refrigeration.

The inner chamber 46 and the outer chamber 96 of the vessel 10 may beconfigured such that the contents within the inner chamber 46, forexample expressed breast milk, are cooled by a freezable/cold outerchamber 96. The outer chamber 96 may be externally insulated to preventcondensation and heat exchange with environmental temperaturessurrounding the vessel 10. The contents within the inner chamber areable to become cool and remain at a chilled storage temperature for morethan six hours without dilution.

The connector 17, according to one embodiment, may include a threadedneck to accommodate breast pump components. When breast pump equipmentis not in use, the cap 18 may be used to close the pour top opening ofthe inner container 12. Cooled milk may be poured from the inner chamber46 of the inner container 12 into the lid 20 as will be described ingreater detail below. The lid 20 can be removed from the outer container14.

In use, a nipple can be screwed onto the threaded neck of the connector17. A volume of breast milk poured into the lid 20 may then be warmed byplacing the lid 20 in hot water, and the child can then drink the warmedmilk from the nipple coupled the connector 17, which may be connected tothe lid 20.

According to one embodiment, the vessel 10 may be an insulated foodcontainer with a threaded neck lid 20 over two chambers 12, 14. When thedisclosed vessel 10 is provided with a removable lid 20 it allows usersto insert a coolant into the second chamber 96 while keeping the coolantseparate from the inner chamber 46. When the threaded neck lid 20 isfixed to the large container 14, the user can attach the breast pumpcomponents to pump milk directly into the inner chamber 46.Alternatively, the user can attach a pour top to seal the vessel 10 fortransport. The lid 20 can also be removed from the large container andplaced on the lid 20 with a nipple to provide a warmable feeding bottle.

The features of this disclosed container allow users to pump milkdirectly into the inner container 12 and cool the milk for safe travel,storage and feeding.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the vessel 10 includes an inner container 12,which is constructed to store a volume of liquid, for example breastmilk. The vessel 10 further includes an outer container 14 and aconnector 17. The outer container 14 is sized so as to at leastpartially enclose the inner container 12, to isolate the inner container12 from a surrounding environment of the vessel 10, and assist intemperature regulation of the inner container 12 as will be explained infurther detail below. The connector 17 secures the inner container 12relative to the outer container 14.

The vessel 10 may further include a cap 18 that is securable to theinner container 12, the connector 17, or both the inner container 12 andthe connector 17 to enclose the liquid stored within the inner container12. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the vessel 10 may include alid 20 that is securable to the connector 17 such that the cap isenclosed within the lid 20.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the connector 17 has a body 19. The connector17 includes a plurality of connector couplers that engage withcomplementary couplers on other components of the vessel 10 to couplethe connector 17 to the respective other components. According to oneembodiment, the plurality of connector couplers includes a firstconnector coupler 22, a second connector coupler 24, a third connectorcoupler 26, a fourth connector coupler 28, or any combination thereof.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first connector coupler 22and the second connector coupler 24 are similar, such that acomplementary coupler that is coupleable to one of the first connectorcoupler 22 and the second connector coupler 24 will also be coupleableto the other of the first connector coupler 22 and the second connectorcoupler 24. According to one embodiment, the first connector coupler 22and the second connector coupler 24 may include respective threads 23,25, and the threads 23, 25 may have the same thread pitch. As shown, thethreads 23, 25 may be similar such that they have the same majordiameter, minor diameter, or both major diameter and minor diameter. Thethreads 23, 25 may include external threads, as shown. However, it willbe appreciated by those of skill in the art that the threads 23, 25 mayalternatively include internal threads.

According to one implementation, the first connector coupler 22 and thesecond connector coupler 24 are discontinuous such that a complementarycoupler cannot transition from engagement with the first connectorcoupler 22 to engagement with the second connector coupler 24 withoutfirst disengaging from the connector 17. As shown the connector 17 mayinclude an unthreaded section 27 between the first connector coupler 22and the second connector coupler 24. The unthreaded section 27 mayinclude a radial projection 30, which assists in forming a seal betweenthe connector 17 and another component of the vessel 10 with thecomplementary coupler.

According to another implementation, the first connector coupler 22 andthe second connector coupler 24 may be continuous such that acomplementary coupler can transition from engagement with the firstconnector coupler 22 to engagement with the second connector coupler 24without first disengaging from the connector 17. For example the threads23, 25 may be a continuous unbroken thread with constant thread pitch.

According to one embodiment, the third connector coupler 26 may bedifferent than the first connector coupler 22 and the second connectorcoupler 24, such that a complementary coupler that is coupleable to oneof the first connector coupler 22 and the second connector coupler 24will not be coupleable to the third connector coupler 26. According toone embodiment, the third connector coupler 26 may include threads 29.The threads 29 may have the same thread pitch as the threads 23, 25, oralternatively, the threads 29 may have a different thread pitch than thethreads 23, 25. As shown, the threads 29 may have a smallercross-sectional dimension, for example major diameter, minor diameter,or both major diameter and minor diameter, than the threads 23, 25. Thethreads 29 may include internal threads, as shown. However, it will beappreciated by those of skill in the art that the threads 29 mayalternatively include external threads. The threads 29 may be theopposite type (internal/external) as the threads 23, 25. Alternativelythe threads 29 may be the same type (internal/external) as the threads23, 25.

According to one embodiment, the fourth connector coupler 28 may becomplementary to the third connector coupler 26. According to oneembodiment, the fourth connector coupler 28 may include threads 31. Thethreads 31 may have the same thread pitch as the threads 29.Additionally, the threads 31 may have a major diameter, minor diameter,or both major diameter and minor diameter, that facilitate threadedengagement with the threads 29. To be complementary to the threads 29,the threads 31 may be of the opposite type (internal/external) as thethreads 29.

According to one implementation, the body 19 of the connector 17 is amonolithic, or one-piece, continuous, body. As shown, the connector 17may define cross-sectional shape that is radially symmetrical about acentral axis 32. As shown, the first connector coupler 22 may beradially centered about the central axis 32, the second connectorcoupler 24 may be radially centered about the central axis 32, and thethird connector coupler 26 may be radially centered about the centralaxis 32.

The first connector coupler 22 and the third connector coupler 26 may bearranged such that a plane that is normal to the central axis 32intersects both the first connector coupler 22 and the third connectorcoupler 26. As shown, the third connector coupler 26 may be radiallyspaced from the central axis 32 by a first distance, the first connectorcoupler 22 may be radially spaced from the central axis 32 by a seconddistance, and the second distance may be greater than the firstdistance. The connector 17, as well as any other of the components ofthe vessel 10 described herein, may be manufactured through injectionmolding, or an additive manufacturing process, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the inner container 12 has a body 40 thatextends from a first end 42 of the inner container 12 to a second end 44of the inner container 12 such that the body 40 partially encloses aninner chamber 46. The inner container 12 has an opening 48 proximate thefirst end 42, the opening 48 providing an access into the inner chamber46. The inner container 12 may include an inner container coupler 50,for example proximate the first end 42. According to one embodiment, theinner chamber 46 has a volume of at least 8 ounces (oz.), for example atleast 12 oz.

According to one embodiment, the inner container coupler 50 may becomplementary to the third connector coupler 26. According to oneembodiment, the inner container coupler 50 may include threads 52. Thethreads 52 may have the same thread pitch as the threads 29.Additionally, the threads 52 may have a major diameter, minor diameter,or both major diameter and minor diameter, that facilitate threadedengagement with the threads 29. To be complementary to the threads 29,the threads 52 may be of the opposite type (internal/external) as thethreads 29.

According to one implementation, the body 40 of the inner container 12is a monolithic, or one-piece, continuous, body. As shown, the innercontainer 12 may define cross-sectional shape that is radiallysymmetrical about a central axis 54. As shown, the inner containercoupler 50 may be radially centered about the central axis 54.

The inner container 12 may include sealer 60, for example an O-ring,positioned between the inner container coupler 50 and the thirdconnector coupler 26 such that engagement of the inner container coupler50 with the third connector coupler 26 captures the sealer 60 betweenthe inner container coupler 50 and the third connector coupler 26,thereby forming a liquid-proof barrier between the inner containercoupler 50 and the third connector coupler 26.

According to one embodiment, the vessel 10 may include a number ofsealers 60. Each of locations within the vessel 10 where couplers engagemay, optionally, include a sealer 60 to provide or improve the qualityof the barrier formed between the engaged couplers.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the cap 18 has a body 70 that extends froma first end 72 of the cap 18 to a second end 74 of the cap 18 such thatthe body 72 partially encloses a cavity 76. The cap 18 has an opening 78proximate the second end 74, the opening 78 providing an access into thecavity 76. The cap 18 may include a cap coupler 80, for example locatedwithin the cavity 76.

The first end 72 of the cap 18 may be closed, as shown in theillustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the first end 72 of the cap 18may include a resealable aperture, for example a pour top or a sip top.The resealable aperture when open allows a user to consume the contentsof the inner chamber 46 without removing the cap 18, and when closedmaintains the liquid proof barrier enclosing the inner chamber 46.

According to one embodiment, the cap coupler 80 may be complementary tothe fourth connector coupler 28, the inner container coupler 50, orboth. According to one embodiment, the cap coupler 80 may includethreads 82. The threads 82 may have the same thread pitch as the threads31 and/or the threads 52. Additionally, the threads 82 may have a majordiameter, minor diameter, or both major diameter and minor diameter,that facilitate threaded engagement with the threads 31 and/or thethreads 52. To be complementary to the threads 31 and/or the threads 52,the threads 82 may be of the opposite type (internal/external) as thethreads 31 and/or the threads 52.

According to one implementation, the body 70 of the cap 18 is amonolithic, or one-piece, continuous, body. As shown, the cap 18 maydefine cross-sectional shape that is radially symmetrical about acentral axis 84. As shown, the cap coupler 80 may be radially centeredabout the central axis 84. The cross-sectional shape of the cap 18 mayinclude one or more flats 86 to facilitate a user's application of atorque to the cap 18 to rotate the cap 18 about the central axis 84.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the outer container 14 has a body 90 thatextends from a first end 92 of the outer container 14 to a second end 94of the outer container 14 such that the body 90 partially encloses anouter chamber 96. The outer container 14 has an opening 98 proximate thefirst end 92, the opening 98 providing an access into the outer chamber96. The outer container 14 may include an outer container coupler 100,for example proximate the first end 92.

According to one embodiment, the outer container coupler 100 may becomplementary to the first connector coupler 22 and the second connectorcoupler 24. According to one embodiment, the outer container coupler 100may include threads 102. The threads 102 may have the same thread pitchas the threads 23, 25. Additionally, the threads 102 may have a majordiameter, minor diameter, or both major diameter and minor diameter,that facilitate threaded engagement with the threads 23, 25. To becomplementary to the threads 23, 25, the threads 102 may be of theopposite type (internal/external) as the threads 23, 25.

According to one implementation, the body 90 of the outer container 14is a double walled body with a gap 104 between a first wall 106 and asecond wall 108 that make up the double walled body. According to oneembodiment, the gap 104 may include a vacuum, thereby improving thermalisolation of the outer chamber 96 from the surrounding environment ofthe vessel 10. As shown, the outer container 14 may definecross-sectional shape that is radially symmetrical about a central axis109. As shown, the outer container coupler 100 may be radially centeredabout the central axis 109. The second wall 108 may define a cylindricalshape, or the second wall 108 may be tapered as shown.

Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the lid 20 has a body 110 that extends froma first end 112 of the lid 20 to a second end 114 of the lid 20 suchthat the body 110 partially encloses a cavity 116. The lid 20 has anopening 118 proximate the second end 114, the opening 118 providing anaccess into the cavity 116. The lid 20 may include a lid coupler 120,for example located within the cavity 116.

According to one embodiment, the lid coupler 120 may be complementary tothe first connector coupler 22 and the second connector coupler 24.According to one embodiment, the lid coupler 120 may include threads122. The threads 122 may have the same thread pitch as the threads 23,25. Additionally, the threads 122 may have a major diameter, minordiameter, or both major diameter and minor diameter, that facilitatethreaded engagement with the threads 23, 25. To be complementary to thethreads 23, 25 the threads 122 may be of the opposite type(internal/external) as the threads 23, 25.

According to one implementation, the body 110 of the lid 20 is amonolithic, or one-piece, continuous, body. As shown, the lid 20 maydefine cross-sectional shape that is radially symmetrical about acentral axis 124. As shown, the lid coupler 120 may be radially centeredabout the central axis 124. The cross-sectional shape of the lid 120 mayinclude one or more flats 126 to facilitate a user's application of atorque to the lid 20 to rotate the lid 20 about the central axis 124.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, the vessel 10 may have an assembledconfiguration (as shown in FIG. 18) in which the inner container 12, viathe inner container coupler 50, is coupled to the connector 17, via thethird connector coupler 26. For example, the inner container 12 may becoupled to the connector 17 by threadedly engaging the threads 52 withthe threads 29. In the assembled configuration, the cap 18, via the capcoupler 80, is coupled to the connector 17, via the fourth connectorcoupler 28. For example, the cap 18 may be coupled to the connector 17by threadedly engaging the threads 82 with the threads 31. When theconnector 17 is coupled to both the inner container 12 and the cap 18 asdescribed above, the inner chamber 46 is entirely enclosed within aliquid proof barrier.

In the assembled configuration, the outer container 14, via the outercontainer coupler 100, is coupled to the connector 17, via the firstconnector coupler 22. For example, the outer container 14 may be coupledto the connector 17 by threadedly engaging the threads 102 with thethreads 23. When the connector 17 is coupled to both the inner container12 and the outer container 14 as described above, the outer chamber 96is entirely enclosed within a liquid proof barrier.

In the assembled configuration, the lid 20, via the lid coupler 120, iscoupled to the connector 17, via the second connector coupler 24. Forexample, the lid 20 may be coupled to the connector 17 by threadedlyengaging the threads 122 with the threads 25. As shown, in the assembledconfiguration one or more, for example all, of the central axis 32, thecentral axis 54, the central axis 84, the central axis 109, and thecentral axis 124 may be parallel, for example collinear.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 20, the vessel 10 may have a pumpingconfiguration (as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20). As shown in FIG. 19, in thepumping configuration, a first portion of the vessel 10, for example theinner container 12, via the inner container coupler 50, is coupled to abreast shield 130, via a breast shield connector 132. According to oneembodiment, the inner container 12 may be coupled to the breast shield130 by threadedly engaging the threads 52 with complementary threads(not shown) of the breast shield connector 132.

In use, suction is applied by, for example, a pump 136 through thebreast shield 130 while the breast shield 130 is in contact with abreast. The suction withdraws milk from the breast, and the withdrawnmilk is transferred through the breast shield 130, though the breastshield connector 132, and into the inner chamber 46. After pumping iscomplete, the inner container 12 is decoupled from the breast shield130. A cooling medium 138, for example ice, may be positioned within theouter chamber 96. The inner container 12, the outer container 14, theconnector 17, and the cap 18 may then be coupled as described inreference to the assembled configuration, and as shown in FIG. 18, suchthat the withdrawn milk is isolated within the inner chamber 46 enclosedin a liquid proof barrier, with the cooling medium 138 in contact withthe inner container 12 so as to lower the temperature of the withdrawnmilk.

According to another embodiment, the vessel 10 may be used as aninfuser. The inner container 12 may be a mesh material (or othermaterial that allows liquid to pass through the body 40 of the innerchamber 12. The inner chamber 46 may be filled with an infusionmaterial, such as tea leaves or coffee grounds. Liquid, for example hotwater, may be poured into the outer chamber 96 and the hot water passesthrough the body 40 of the inner chamber 12 to interact with theinfusion material, while the infusion material is maintained within theconfines of the inner chamber 46. The infused liquid within the outerchamber 96 may then be consumed or poured into a separate container, forexample the lid 20, for consumption.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the pumping configuration, a second portion ofthe vessel 10, for example the lid 20 and the connector 17, coupled bythreaded engagement of the threads 122 and the threads 23, is coupled tothe breast shield 130, via the breast shield connector 132. According toone embodiment, the second portion of the vessel 10 may be coupled tothe breast shield 130 by threadedly engaging the threads 31 withcomplementary threads (not shown) of the breast shield connector 132.

In use, suction is applied by, for example, a pump 136 through thebreast shield 130 while the breast shield 130 is in contact with abreast. The suction withdraws milk from the breast, and the withdrawnmilk is transferred through the breast shield 130, though the breastshield connector 132, and into the cavity 116. After pumping iscomplete, the second portion of the vessel 10 is decoupled from thebreast shield 130. The withdrawn milk may then be transferred to theinner chamber 46. The inner container 12, the outer container 14, theconnector 17, and the cap 18 may then be coupled as described inreference to the assembled configuration, and as shown in FIG. 18, suchthat the withdrawn milk is isolated within the inner chamber 46 enclosedin a liquid proof barrier, with the cooling medium 138 in contact withthe inner container 12 so as to lower the temperature of the withdrawnmilk.

According to one embodiment, both the first portion of the vessel 10 andthe second portion of the vessel 10 may be coupled to respective ones ofthe breast shield 130 such that milk may be withdrawn from two breastssimultaneously. The cooling medium 138 may be refilled/replaced, forexample if the ice has melted, by decoupling the outer container 14 fromthe connector 17, removing the “old” cooling medium 138 from the outerchamber 96 and replacing/refilling at least a portion of the outerchamber 96 with “new” cooling medium 138.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 17 and 21 to 22, the vessel 10 may have afeeding configuration (as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22). As shown in FIG.21, in the feeding configuration, the second portion of the vessel 10 iscoupled to a feeding nipple 140, via a feeding nipple coupler 142.According to one embodiment, the second portion of the vessel 10 may becoupled to the feeding nipple 140 by threadedly engaging the threads 31with complementary threads (not shown) of the feeding nipple coupler142.

In use, prior to coupling of the second portion of the vessel 10 and thefeeding nipple 140, a portion of the withdrawn milk within the innerchamber 46 is transferred to the cavity 116. As shown in FIG. 22, duringfeeding the cap 18 may be coupled to the inner container 12, for exampleby threadedly engaging the threads 52 with the threads 82, such that thewithdrawn milk within the inner chamber 46 is isolated within the innerchamber 46 and enclosed in a liquid proof barrier. The inner container12 may be placed within the outer chamber 96, for example such that theinner chamber 12 is resting on the cooling medium 138 rather than beingsupported by the connector 17. Alternatively, a second feeding nipple140 may be coupled to the inner container 12 (in place of the cap 18shown in FIG. 22) so that two children may be fed simultaneously.

The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what isdescribed in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limitthe embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specificembodiments of and examples are described herein for illustrativepurposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized bythose skilled in the relevant art.

Many of the methods described herein can be performed with variations.For example, many of the methods may include additional acts, omit someacts, and/or perform acts in a different order than as illustrated ordescribed. The various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of theabove-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all possible embodiments along with the full scopeof equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, theclaims are not limited by the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vessel comprising: an outer containerhaving a first coupler and an outer chamber; an inner container having asecond coupler and an inner chamber to hold a liquid, the innercontainer receivable at least partially within the outer chamber suchthat a gap is formed between the inner container and the outercontainer; a connector having a third coupler that is complementary tothe first coupler, and a fourth coupler that is complementary to thesecond coupler, wherein when both the first coupler is engaged with thethird coupler and the second coupler is engaged with the fourth coupler,the outer chamber is entirely enclosed within a liquid-proof barrier,and a lid having a fifth coupler that is complementary to the thirdcoupler.
 2. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the connector has a sixthcoupler that is complementary to the fifth coupler.
 3. The vessel ofclaim 2, further comprising: a cap with a seventh coupler, wherein theconnector has an eighth coupler that is complementary to the seventhcoupler.
 4. The vessel of claim 3 wherein the seventh coupler iscomplementary to the second coupler.
 5. The vessel of claim 4 whereinengagement of any of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth,seventh, or eighth couplers with a complementary coupler restrictsrelative movement of the respective coupler and the complementarycoupler in at least one degree of freedom due to interference betweenopposing surfaces of the respective coupler and the complementarycoupler.
 6. The vessel of claim 5 wherein: the respective coupler andthe complementary coupler both include threads, rotation of therespective coupler relative to the complementary coupler about an axisengages the respective coupler and the complementary coupler, andinterference between the threads of the respective coupler and thecorresponding coupler blocks translation of the respective couplerrelative to the corresponding coupler along the axis.
 7. The vessel ofclaim 6 wherein the respective coupler includes a sealer, the sealerpositioned such that engagement of the respective coupler with thecomplementary coupler captures the sealer between the respective couplerand the complementary coupler such that a liquid-proof barrier is formedbetween the respective coupler and the complementary coupler.
 8. Thevessel of claim 3 wherein when each of: 1) the first coupler is engagedwith the third coupler; 2) the second coupler is engaged with the fourthcoupler; and 3) the seventh coupler is engaged with the eighth coupler,the inner chamber is entirely enclosed within a liquid proof barrier. 9.The vessel of claim 8 wherein when each of: 1) the first coupler isengaged with the third coupler; 2) the second coupler is engaged withthe fourth coupler; and 3) the seventh coupler is engaged with theeighth coupler, no portion of the inner container directly contacts theouter container.
 10. A connector comprising: a first coupler that iscomplementary to a complementary coupler; a second coupler that iscomplementary to the complementary coupler, and a third coupler that isdifferent than the first coupler and the second coupler such that thethird coupler is not complementary to the complementary coupler; whereinthe first coupler is discontinuous with the second coupler such that thecomplementary coupler cannot transition from engagement with the firstcoupler to engagement with the second coupler without first disengagingfrom the connector, and wherein the third coupler is radially inward ofthe first coupler and the second coupler.
 11. The connector of claim 10wherein the first coupler is radially centered about an axis, the secondcoupler is radially centered about the axis, and the third coupler isradially centered about the axis.
 12. The connector of claim 11 whereinthe first coupler and the second coupler are external threads with anidentical thread pitch.
 13. The connector of claim 11, furthercomprising a fourth coupler including features that are complementary tofeatures of the third coupler.
 14. The connector of claim 10 wherein theconnector is a monolithic body.